Introduction
The Introduction to Biodynamic Viticulture course is ideal if you have a basic knowledge of viticulture and would like to develop a biodynamic approach. You might be planning a new vineyard, wanting to convert your present plot, or selling or marketing biodynamic wine. If so, this is the course for you!
Sessions are online with a series of seminars, an extensive resource library for additional personal study, and video interviews with experts from across the world of biodynamic viticulture.
What you'll learn
What biodynamic viticulture is all about – key recent trends and ongoing growth
We start by looking at the growth of biodynamic vineyards around the world, including trends in the number of certified vineyards and the historical context of growing vines biodynamically. Many people want to know the difference between biodynamic and organic viticulture, and we cover that, as well as the emergence of the phrase 'natural wine'.
Why winegrowers convert to biodynamic
Why do people grow wine biodynamically? Every grower has their own reasons for doing so – whether practical, economic, ethical, historical, intuitive or spiritual. We look at these through interviews, stories, videos, and articles. You'll find many of the reasons inspiring.
How to do it – you can grow vines the biodynamic way
How does biodynamics live in a viticultural context? We start with the principle of the farm as a living organism as set out by Rudolf Steiner – and how this relates to a vineyard. There is an easy connection with the core concept of terroir in winegrowing. We then look at the use of the biodynamic preparations and other natural treatment methods in supporting the health and well-being of life in the vineyard. The influence of the lunar cycles and natural rhythms of life are also covered, so that we give you the full picture.
Demeter – the gold standard for certification
The key certification label orginates from Demeter International, the Demeter trademark and the international standards by which all biodynamic winegrowers are certified. Here we give you the main requirements for a vineyard to be certified as biodynamic, with guidance on how to begin the process. For the full programme and to book click on the link below.